ATMOS | Blog - Clearing the air on the best green banks for 2021, Best Eco-Friendly Savings Accounts

Jan 13, 2022

Best Eco-Friendly Gifts for 2022

Whether it’s an upcoming holiday, a birthday or another special event, there are more eco-friendly gifts available now than ever before. With so many new and useful products available, environmentally-conscious gifting has never been easier and more fun! And by purchasing these items, you’re sending an important message to the world that environmental protection is critically important.

Team Atmos

Jan 12, 2022

Sustainability Banking: How Green Initiatives Are Changing the Banking Industry

Traditional big banks, such as Chase, Citigroup, and Bank of America and PNC, to name a few, have for decades been big backers of big oil, and use the funds you deposit with them to support fossil fuel extraction and other environmentally harmful initiatives. If you’re someone who cares about climate action and a more sustainable future, banking with these types of financial institutions presents an ethical dilemma.

Team Atmos

Jan 11, 2022

How To Choose a Financial Advisor for Green Investing

Options for “green” investing have become common over the last several years and it’s not easy to understand the differences between the many products and investment options available. Green investing can actually provide even greater returns than conventional investing alternatives, but it’s critical to be aware of the risks that accompany each opportunity. A financial adviser can help you weigh and evaluate the many options, help you achieve your unique goals, and ensure your money is creating the impact that you want.

Team Atmos

Jan 10, 2022

How To Set Up Your Direct Deposit for a New Bank Account in 4 Easy Steps

Depending on the HR services provider for your employer, you may be asked to fill out an online direct deposit form, or they might give you a physical direct deposit form to submit. If it’s been a while since you set up your original direct deposit and you aren’t sure where to find the form, start by asking your supervisor, someone in HR, or someone in the payroll department.

Team Atmos

Dec 22, 2021

Give the Gift of Climate Action

Team Atmos

Dec 18, 2021

How To Reduce Carbon Footprint at Work: Tips for Employers and Employees

As offices start reopening and employees return to the daily commute, it’s the perfect time to rethink how your business can reduce its carbon footprint. This can have both a positive economic impact on your business by reducing your operating costs as well as a positive impact on the environment.

Team Atmos

Dec 17, 2021

Personal Finance

How To Start Investing in Clean Energy Stocks with ESG Investment Advisors

For those who care deeply about our planet and environment, investment options are limited. Investing in oil, mining, and other environmentally harmful or extractive industries is simply not an option if you want to support climate-positive action. If you want to invest in clean energy stocks, but you don’t want to invest in just one stock or you simply don’t know where to start, one option you have is to work with investment advisors or platforms specializing in sustainable investments and portfolios. Look for advisors that specialize in ESG investments, or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments.

Team Atmos

Dec 16, 2021

Nonprofit Interviews

Carter Lavin of CALSSA — New Solar NEM3 proposal Will Gut Residential Solar

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has recently released their long-anticipated update to the solar net energy metering (NEM) rules for California to correct some of the imbalances and cost-shifts that occur from solar to non-solar customers and incentivize battery storage with residential solar, but how it has been proposed will do more harm than good.

Ravi Mikkelsen

Dec 15, 2021

Best Earth-Friendly Holiday Gifts for 2021

A holiday gift guide from Atmos. These are among our favorite Earth-friendly items this year.

Team Atmos

Nov 23, 2021

How to Close Your PNC or BBVA Account

Most recent data suggests that PNC uses nearly 10% of every dollar deposited to support the fossil fuel industry. PNC is one of the world's largest funders of fossil fuels. A critical part of everyone’s climate journey is changing to a sustainable bank, and if you want to help build a brighter tomorrow, changing where you bank is a great way to get started.

Team Atmos

Nov 22, 2021

Product Updates

Atmos launches Climate Dashboard & Higher Yields

This month, we’re very excited to release our new impact display to more closely connect you to the power of your money.

Nov 3, 2021

Atmos launches Round-Up Donations, Mobile Check Deposit, Higher Rates for all

Last month we brought you checking accounts, debit cards and mobile apps. Now we’re adding new features to enhance your banking experience. Together, we’re taking action to reverse global warming with our money.

Oct 13, 2021

Personal Finance

Ethical Banking In The USA: Understanding Socially Responsible Banking

Moving your money to a values-aligned provider is one of the most impactful things you can do to create a more just and equitable world, and because of their values and customer focus, you may find that they’re even better for your financial lives too! New financial technology companies like Atmos are going beyond the typical banking product set to bring greater mission and values-alignment to their customers.

Team Atmos

Oct 12, 2021

Climate Action

What Are Eco-Friendly Debit Cards and Credit Cards?

One area that’s easier than ever to go green in is banking. Modern technology means that you’re no longer limited to the community banks nearby, and you don’t have to support the big banks that are backing big oil. Changing your bank and exercising your purchasing power are among the most impactful things you can do to reverse global warming.

Team Atmos

Oct 11, 2021

Climate Action

Conscious Consumerism

Conscious consumerism is an effective way to have a positive impact on the environment and society at large. There are lots of ways to practice conscious consumerism, but it all starts with taking a deeper look at your relationship with money and the products you purchase.

Team Atmos

Oct 10, 2021

Climate Action

Corporate Social Responsibility of Banks

If you care about social issues, it’s up to you to do business with companies that are committed to improving their corporate social responsibility. Without customers activity exerting their preferences towards social and environmental options, companies will not have incentives to shift away from environmentally and socially harmful business practices.

Team Atmos

Oct 8, 2021

Climate Action

How to Close Your Wells Fargo Account

Moving your money towards banks using it for good can be one of the most impactful things you can do. Atmos is using 100% of customers' money to accelerate the clean economy.

Team Atmos

Oct 8, 2021

Personal Finance

Where Do Banks Put My Deposits?

Curious where your bank is putting your money? Your money is circulating in the economy helpings all sorts of companies and projects that you might not want it to help. Now you can be intentional about the world your deposits are creating.

Team Atmos

Oct 6, 2021

Personal Finance

Making the Most of Your Money

A basic roadmap is an essential starting point in order to get a handle on your finances. Make the most of your money with basic money education and budgeting.

Team Atmos

Oct 6, 2021

Personal Finance

What is a Joint Savings Account?

Learn about joint savings accounts and if they're right for you.

Team Atmos

Oct 5, 2021

Climate Action

Socially Conscious Banking: What Is It and Why Should You Care?

Socially conscious banking enables everyone to be an impact investor. Atmos uses your deposits to accelerate the clean energy transition and a more climate-resilient future.

Team Atmos

Sep 17, 2021

Climate Action

How to Close Your Chase Account

Most recent data suggests that Chase uses nearly 10% of every dollar deposited to fund industries like chemicals, mining, oil & gas, and insurance companies. Chase is also the world's largest funder of fossil fuels. A critical part of everyone’s climate journey is changing to a sustainable bank, and if you want to help build a brighter tomorrow, changing where you bank is a great way to get started.

Team Atmos

Sep 17, 2021

Product Updates

Atmos Launches Checking, Debit Cards, Cash-back, iOS and Android apps

Take heart. More people around the world are waking up to the fact that we must all act together. Personal action leads to systemic change. With your help and support as an Atmos customer, we’re redefining what is possible within the banking system. We will meet the climate challenges that lay ahead.

Sep 14, 2021

Climate Positive Checking Account Launched

Today we launched our climate-positive checking accounts giving customers more ways to align their money with funding the transition to a clean and equitable economy for all while earning up to 5% cash back on mission-aligned purchases.

Team Atmos

Sep 13, 2021

Climate Action

How Do I Reduce My Carbon Footprint

It's more important than every to reduce your carbon footprint. Change starts at an individual level, and every action we can take to reduce our carbon footprint is sorely needed. Whatever your path, contributing to a more livable planet for generations to come is a responsibility and opportunity we can not overlook.

Pete Hellwig

Sep 8, 2021

Climate Action

How to Close Your Citi Account

Most recent data suggests that Citi uses more than 15% of every dollar deposited to fund industries like chemicals, mining, oil & gas, and insurance companies. An important part of everyone’s climate journey is changing to a sustainable bank, and if you want to help build a brighter tomorrow, changing where you bank is a great way to get started.

Team Atmos

Sep 8, 2021

Personal Finance

Emergency Fund Calculator - A Guide to the Right Amount

Emergency funds are necessary to safeguard against all of the curve balls life is bound to throw at you. Having the right amount is important so that financial setbacks and unexpected life circumstances don’t leave you high and dry. Consider risk-free options for at least some of your savings so you know it’s there if and when you need it.

Team Atmos

Sep 7, 2021

Personal Finance

Pros and Cons of CDs

If you are looking to safekeep your money in certificates of deposit, then you should learn both the positives and negatives that accompany them. This article will detail the main pros and cons that accompany CDs.

Team Atmos

Sep 3, 2021

Personal Finance

CDs versus High Yield Savings

Both CDs and high-yield savings can offer great returns, but the type of account you pick will depend on your unique circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at the two types of accounts and which is best for you.

Jess Lin

Aug 31, 2021

Personal Finance

7 Financial Planning Tips for a Baby

Becoming a new parent can be daunting for lots of reasons. Thinking through the finances early on can help give you peace of mind, allowing more time and energy to focus on your family when it matters most.

Jess Lin

Aug 30, 2021

Personal Finance

How Much Money Should I Keep in My Savings Account?

If you’re looking to build a general savings account to guard against whatever life might throw at you, whether next week or next year, a savings account is a great option because it’ll be there when you need it. Some financial experts say you should have the equivalent of at least three to six months worth of expenses put away for those no-risk rainy day funds.

Jess Lin

Jul 30, 2021

Personal Finance

Envest Stands Out Among Socially Responsible Investment Managers

ESG and SRI investing can be confusing and misleading. James Osborn from Envest Asset Management helps us cut through the noise.

Pete Hellwig

Jul 23, 2021

What is Eco-Friendly Banking?

A bank is a bank is a bank, right? Well, not quite, some actually improve the environment, vs use its deposits to pollute.

Jess Lin

May 19, 2021

Nonprofit Interviews

Saving the California Condor from Extinction: An Interview with Kelly Sorenson of the Ventana Wildlife Society

The California Condor population has greatly rebounded from near extinction in the 1980s thanks in large part to the work of the Ventana Wildlife Society. We sat down to speak with its Director, Kelly Sorenson.

Ravi Mikkelsen

May 5, 2021

Nonprofit Interviews

Getting to know Replate: A short conversation with Maen Mahfoud

Replate is solving for food insecurity and the climate crisis by matching excess food with those in need. Get to know Replate, how it works, and why it's needed. Give fee-free (as it should be!) through your AtmosACTION account.

Pete Hellwig

May 1, 2021

Product Updates

Atmos Makes it Free to Give... Huh?

If you donate regularly to 501c3 organizations, you’re likely frustrated by the amount of fees charged by transaction processors. Atmos has finally made it free to give so that more of your money is driving the impact we all need.

Pete Hellwig

Apr 29, 2021

What Are Your Bank Deposits Actually Funding?

More than half of your bank deposits may be funding conventional real estate if you use a generic bank. These assets are among the greatest sources of emissions in the world. Atmos provides its customers an option to increase the impact of their deposit dollars.

Pete Hellwig

Apr 23, 2021

Understanding the Social Cost of Carbon

What is the Social Cost of Carbon?

Clayton Birkes

Apr 15, 2021

Are Carbon Offsets Really the Answer?

Carbon offsets have been growing in popularity in recent years as more people and businesses are learning about the carbon footprint of their lifestyles and products. Some suggest, however, that carbon credits do not represent a meaningful step and are another form of greenwashing. While offsets do serve a purpose, reducing emissions has never been more important.

Pete Hellwig

Apr 13, 2021

Climate Action

The Easiest Way to Get a New Electric Vehicle

My wife and I recently used Cartelligent to lease a 2020 Chevy Bolt and they saved us thousands of dollars on the price and a lot of the hassle and time of going through our local dealerships.

Ravi Mikkelsen

Mar 22, 2021

Personal Finance

It’s not you, it’s definitely them. How to have an open relationship with your bank.

Earn more and align your money with your values by adding Atmos to your banking mix.

Pete Hellwig

Feb 15, 2021

Personal Finance

Maximize your Savings Rate when you Donate

Earn 0.11% across all accounts when you connect AtmosACTION to a participating 501c3. It's good for you, it's good for them, it's good for the environment.

Pete Hellwig

Feb 8, 2021

Multiple Savings Accounts: A Tool for Building Financial Security

Distinct savings accounts are a useful tool to build financial security and independence. Atmos customers now have the ability to open up to six unique high-impact FDIC-insured savings accounts. Good for you, and good for the planet.

Pete Hellwig

Jan 21, 2021

Climate Action

How Atmos Calculates Carbon Impact

Summary of calculations and assumptions for AtmosACTION Carbon Impact number.

Ravi Mikkelsen

Jan 21, 2021

Customer Security is Our Highest Priority

The impact, our mission and vision are all no longer viable if our customers’ information or money is at risk of fraud at any point. That’s why we’ve made every effort to safeguard Atmos accounts and have designed Atmos from the ground up with security in mind.‍

Sean McCullough, Chief Technology Officer

Jan 11, 2021

Climate Action

Make your voice heard with an AtmosACTION savings account

Atmos launches its AtmosACTION savings accounts: a high-impact savings account that will fuel the clean economy.

Pete Hellwig

Jul 16, 2020

The need for proactive programs to address wealth disparity from climate disasters

The climate crisis has the potential to perpetuate wealth disparity and result in more severe isolation along socioeconomic lines. Financial organizations have an important role to play in our transition and should be addressing these risks proactively and aggressively.

Pete Hellwig

Jun 15, 2020

Personal Finance

How Intentional Banking Can Build a Better Tomorrow

Using a bank that aligns with your personal value system ensures that your deposits are going towards building the tomorrow you want to live in. Our deposits and the companies, individuals and projects those loans are supporting are an extension of each of us, a vote towards building that better tomorrow.

Pete Hellwig

Jun 8, 2020

Clearing the Air: What's behind Bank of the West's green marketing campaign?

Clearing the Air is an ongoing series to shine light into the sustainability statements of the biggest banks.

Pete Hellwig

May 27, 2020

Clearing the Air: Recent bank announcements to not finance Arctic drilling lacks potency and clarity

A deeper review of recent pledges from major U.S. banks to not finance Arctic drilling uncovers carefully crafted caveats and a lack of commitment to environmental protection.

Pete Hellwig

The Atmos Blog

Carter Lavin of CALSSA — New Solar NEM3 proposal Will Gut Residential Solar

Start your climate journey today - apply for an Atmos account in just 2 minutes.